Reading Theme:
Mutual: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：reciprocal feeling or action (mutual)
mutual
/ˈmjuːtʃuəl/
adj.
When two people feel or do the same thing towards each other.
reciprocal feeling or action
➕
/ˌresɪˈprɒkl ˈfiːlɪŋ ɔːr ˈækʃən/
adj.
Describing a situation where two or more parties have the same feelings or engage in the same actions towards each other, emphasizing a two-way relationship.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'mutuus', meaning 'borrowed' or 'reciprocal'. The root implies an exchange or shared nature between parties.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'mutual' as 'me and you together' – the 'mu' sounds like 'me' and 'you', highlighting the idea of reciprocity and shared experience.
📖 Example
Our friendship is built on mutual respect and trust.
The foundation of our friendship is reciprocal respect and trust.
🔗 Collocations
mutual respect – respect that is felt equally by both parties
mutual agreement – an agreement that is accepted by all involved parties
mutual support – support that is given and received between individuals
🔄 Synonyms
reciprocal (adj.) – Given or felt by each toward the other; involving mutual exchange.
shared (adj.) – Experienced or done together by two or more parties.
🚫 Antonyms
one-sided (adj.) – Involving only one party or perspective; not mutual or reciprocal.
🌱 Derivatives
mutually (adv.) – In a mutual manner; reciprocally.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'mutual' originates from the Latin 'mutuus', which entered English in the 15th century with the sense of reciprocity. It is commonly used in modern contexts such as finance (e.g., 'mutual funds' for pooled investments) and social interactions to describe shared feelings or common interests, reflecting its etymological roots in mutual exchange.
Meaning 2：shared or common (mutual)
mutual
/ˈmjuːtʃuəl/
adj.
Something that two or more people have or share together.
shared or common
➕
/ʃeərd ɔːr ˈkɒmən/
adj.
Referring to something that is possessed, experienced, or held jointly by two or more people, indicating a commonality or connection.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We discovered we had a mutual friend at the party.
At the party, we found out that we both know the same friend.
🔗 Collocations
mutual friend – a friend who is known to two or more people
mutual interest – an interest that is shared by multiple parties
mutual benefit – an advantage or gain that is shared by all involved
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
individual (adj.) – Belonging to or for one person alone; not shared or common.
🌱 Derivatives
mutuality (n.) – The quality or state of being mutual; shared nature or reciprocity.
Wordbook
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